Validation of the Keane MMPI-PTSD Subscale Against DSM-III-R Criteria in a Sample of Battered Women

• NCJ Number: 171113
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 99-104
• Author(s): S Perrin; V B Van Hasselt; M Hersen
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This investigation provides support for the validity of the MMPI-PTSD Scale and its utility in screening battered women for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Abstract

The Keane, Malloy, and Fairbank (1984) MMPI-PTSD Scale has proven to be a reliable and valid measure of PTSD in combat veterans. However, few studies have examined the MMPI-PTSD Scale's validity in civilian trauma victims, including battered women. Forty-six battered women who completed the Scale were assigned to PTSD-Positive and PTSD-Negative groups based on a structured diagnostic interview and then their Scale results were contrasted. The PTSD-Positive group had significantly higher scores on the Scale. A cutoff score of 22 on the Scale correctly classified 80.4 percent of the sample. Correlations between the MMPI-PTSD and DSM-III-R criteria suggest that the Scale is moderately sensitive to many of the symptoms, particularly those involving intrusion and psychological arousal, comprising the diagnosis of PTSD. The findings support the validity of the MMPI-PTSD Scale and its utility in screening battered women for PTSD. References